BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes March 16, 2015
Lower Level Conference Room 6:30 P.M.
*Minutes are not official until approved at the next regular meeting
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of March 2, 2015 with the following edit:
under good & welfare - should read: Ben Hipsky had to raise funds, recruit and deploy workers to help out with the project.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Peter Tanaka stated that he is appreciative that residents in our town are able to attend a meeting without having a State Trooper standing by to keep things calm during the meetings as the Town of Mansfield has been experiencing lately.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectmen’s office.
Status Report:
First Selectman Mailhos went over the current action items on the report:
*Turnpike Road – Phase 3 / 4 – IWWC has approved the plans and we have also received the executed agreement yesterday. Derek will begin the bid process.
*Daleville School Bridge (new to the list)– We have been notified that the bridge has some scouring and will need to have repairs. The Board of Finance has been notified and agreed to have the leftover funding ($125,000) from the Polster Road Bridge go towards needed repairs on this bridge. The project scope is being prepared and we will go out to bid shortly.
*Needs Assessment at TOB – The Structural Engineer will be asked to come to a future meeting to present his assessment.
*Firefighter Tax Abatement – Will be discussed later on at this meeting to clarify the wording in the letter that will go to the departments.
*MS4 Permit Changes - First Selectman Mailhos has been attending regular bi-weekly meetings. It appears that the State is willing to make some kind of compromise in our favor but nothing is finalized. Other suggestions are also being discussed. She will continue to attend the stakeholder meetings.
*Renaming of the Senior Center Road – Will be discussed later at this meeting.
*EDC Study – The EDC will hold interviews for consultants for the study next week. The Selectmen have been invited to attend; and then the EDC will submit a recommendation to the Selectmen for the next regular meeting.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following tasks:
- Break ice on Potter School Road
- Widen roads with Holder
- Move snow at Library, Halls School, Center School
- Open storm drains, make cuts in snow banks for water run offs
- Vehicle and equipment service & repair
- Sign repair
Gravel road repair (add stone to muddy- rutted sections)
First Selectman Mailhos noted that several people have approached her recently to let her know that Public Works is doing a great job and they would like to thank them.
New Business
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $2,111.80 to Pacific Union, P.O. Box 92190; Rochester, NY for an excess payment.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Resolution – Nutmeg Network
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the next step for receiving the grant for the Nutmeg Network is to adopt a resolution. She noted that the deadline to do so is March 31st.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION
TO ENDORSE THE REGIONAL PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, The Town of Willington has signed a notice of intent dated December 19, 2014, to connect the Town Office Building to the Nutmeg Network; and
WHEREAS, By connecting the Town Office Building, located at 40 Old Farms Road to the Nutmeg Network, the Town would have a more effective internet access; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Willington will receive a grant through the Regional Performance Incentive Program by the State of CT Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to connect to the Nutmeg Network with a PSDN connection via the Willington Hill Fire Department at 24 Old Farms Road; and
WHEREAS, this resolution must be submitted to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) no later than March 31, 2015;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN THAT: Christina B. Mailhos, First Selectman of the Town of Willington is hereby authorized to sign and act on any and all endorsements necessary to enter into a binding agreement with the Office of Policy and Management according to the terms of the RPI Grant Program.
ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED at a duly convened meeting of The Willington Board of Selectmen on the 16th day of March, 2015.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Award Fenton Ruby Haying Contract
We received three bids. First Selectman Mailhos opened them and then read them aloud:
Name Bid Comments
Anita Mihiliak: $400.00 Will have one ton of lyme spread in fall if fields are not too wet.
Vincent Sinoski:$450.00 Will fertilize before 1st and 2nd cutting and will trim brush back in the spring and in fall.
Tim Norman: $500.00 Will cut tedder and bale hay to feed their animals
Discussion was held on how many times the field needs to be cut during the season and how often it should be fertilized. Selectman Blessington suggested going with the highest bidder. If they only cut once, the regrowth would add a cushion, helping the birds that nest there.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the hay bid to Tim Norman as per his bid of $500.00
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Award consultant for the Vibrant Communities Initiative Project
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Town Meeting was held last week to appropriate the money and accept the grant. The committee met and has made a recommendation to award the bid.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the Vibrant Communities Initiative Preservation Planning study project to Nelson Edwards Company Architects, LLC, in the amount of $49,500.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Discussion – Request for salary increase for First Selectman
Selectman Blessington stated that he asked to add this to the agenda after reading the report from the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee. Although the Committee did a fine job and included in-depth information, Selectman Blessington stated that he was hopeful for a different conclusion about the First Selectman’s salary than what was submitted as it was vague. Selectman Blessington clarified that the First Selectman’s position is neither full or part time – it is more of making executive decisions; noting that if something happens, you better be here and there is no time clock punching. He noted that we have seen these actions from our current First Selectman, and would be hopeful to see anyone who is in that position does the same. Selectman Blessington stated that the amount we are
paying right now, may have been adequate 25 years ago, and his opinion is that the salary should be doubled, but warned that it cannot happen all at once. He suggested increasing it in phases, such as after the election and then the following fiscal year. He added if we want the talent, we need to pay for it. Selectman Blessington clarified that he does not plan on running for First Selectman, therefore, he feels he is justified to make this suggestion. He then asked Selectman Kowalyshyn if she would go before the Board of Finance with him to begin the discussions.
First Selectman Mailhos recused herself. She clarified that the report suggested that changes made to the salaries should come from a sub-committee of the Board of Finance. She added that the report did not give any recommendations of specific positions, but it did imply that it we should keep things the same.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that most of the elected positions stipends are terrible, noting that the stipend of the First Selectman should be paid more; as that person runs the town. She then agreed with Selectman Blessington and offered to draft a memo to the BOF. Discussion was held on the amount the stipend should be raised. Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested asking for at least $10,000 more.
Peter Tanaka stated that was under the impression the First Selectman’s salary was $60,000 (it is actually $42,000), and still thought the position was underpaid. Selectman Blessington suggested it should be the highest stipend. Discussion was held regarding stipends and salaries. Stipends are paid to elected officials, and there are really no set hours and the pay remains flat whether the elected official takes 5 hours or 40 hours to do the job. Also, there are no repercussions for improperly doing the job; other than perhaps not being re-elected in the future.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked where the First Selectman’s salary would be if they hadn’t decided to keep it flat and when it was decided to do so? The Selectmen were unsure, but figured it was at least since 2007. Bob Wiecenski stated that he sees how hard the current Selectman works and agrees that they should ask for at least $10,000. Selectman Blessington suggested the closest approximation to the First Selectman would be the Business Manager, and it is silly that the Selectman makes less than that.
First Selectman Mailhos clarified that there are a lot of odd jobs that fall under the First Selectman, such as human resources, for example, that if we had different staffing would alleviate a lot of things from the position as First Selectman. In the past, the Tree Warden also fell under that position. Selectman Kowalyshyn agreed, and stated that many towns have Town Managers doing the extra work, and the salary for a Town Manager is very costly (in the $100,000/+ range.)
Robert Shabot stated that the State keeps throwing things down to the Towns that need to be done, and it lands in the Selectmen’s Office; noting that these added things take time and organization. He added, in this case, our current First Selectman is very dedicated, and she deserves the raise.
After review and further discussion, Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested asking for a $25,500 increase; bringing the stipend up to $67,622; about even with the Business Manager’s salary, but still less than the Public Works’ Director.
First Selectman Mailhos warned that she thinks the Board of Finance may ask to cut some out of the Selectmen's budget to make it work.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to have the Selectmen go before the Board of Finance to increase the First Selectmen's salary $25,500, which would take effect after the 2015 election.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Mailhos)
Discussion was held regarding the Tree Warden. Wilbur Gangaway asked if one of the other Selectmen could take on the job under their realm as Selectman. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the state has mandated that the Tree Warden would need to be certified and also must have several hours of training on top of the certification. Robert Shabot added that a certified Tree Warden not only has to be certified, but they also need to re-certify every two years, and the classes (which need to have a certain number of hours of training each year; including attending conferences) which are costly. He cautioned that if you are looking for someone; you need to look for someone who has an investment in the field, but it may end up being costly.
Old Business
A. Fire Department Tax Abatement
First Selectman Mailhos recapped since the Ordinance was passed for the tax abatement, the Selectmen still had some questions regarding the eligibility requirements. They compiled their questions and submitted a letter to the Departments. Also, since the Ordinance passed, we have been notified that Willington Fire Department #1, members have chosen not to participate and Chief Millix would be sending a letter to affirm. First Selectman Mailhos then stated that she assumes it would only pertain to this year and should expect to go year by year because of the way the Ordinance is written. She added that Willington Hill Fire Department might not be able to get all of their certified paperwork done by July, which would make them non-eligible for this year as well.
One of the issues that needed further clarification was regarding property taxes and the definition of “being current.” The Tax Collector has offered an edit to read as follows: Must be current on property taxes (at the time that eligibility is determined, all taxes must be paid in full with no tax delinquencies during the prior two years.) The Tax Collector has clarified that they may not send out delinquent notices in the future. First Selectman Mailhos will ask the Tax Collector to send a letter to attach to the Ordinance for clarification purposes. Kelly Trueb asked what classifies a “delinquency.” Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that any amount that is paid in excess of the taxes is considered delinquent.
First Selectman Mailhos clarified that we are not changing the Ordinance; we are editing the letter of clarification.
Selectman Blessington cautioned that we cannot forsee everything that could happen in the future and this letter will help. He added it looks fine as long as one of the departments can opt out without too much hassle. First Selectman Mailhos will finalize the letter and will have it ready for the next meeting so the Selectmen can sign it.
B. Update on Region 19 Teacher Contract Approval Process
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she had asked the Town Attorney to look into the process we currently follow regarding how the Region 19 teacher’s contract is approved based on the suggestion of Peter Latincsics, who is on the Board of Finance.
She clarified that Mansfield's government is different than ours in Willington. Once the contract comes into Mansfield, the Town Manager asks the Town Council to put it on their next Agenda and also has the Town Clerk notify whoever is involved in the approval process. First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that we do not have anyone to do that here.
The Town Attorney suggested that we send a letter to the Region 19 Board and ask them to inform us when a contract is ready next time. We also would request to have our Town Clerk send out a public notice to inform residents, in addition to publishing it in the paper. The timing is crucial as we only have a number of days to review it and if we only rely on paper publication, almost a weeks’ time is lost before anyone sees it.
Selectman Blessington stated that the system is badly stacked against the Town, noting that there are 12 members on the Region 19 Board of Education (four members from each town), but the votes are weighted. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Town Attorney clarified that the “legislative body” of Region 19 are the votes of all three towns, collectively. Selectman Mailhos will forward the information on to the Board of Finance.
C. Update on Road Naming for Senior Complex
Wilbur Gangaway, President of the Senior Center was present. He stated that the Housing Authority is in the process of getting solar panels for the new senior cottages, but they are having difficulty with Eversource, as they cannot locate the property as it is currently listed.
The seniors had held a survey to get suggestions of a new name for the driveway. the top picks were:
- Senior Way
- Senior's Way
- Senior Lane
Willington Way
Mr. Gangaway stated that the Presidents had discussed the naming of the driveway, and although there are several people who would be deserving of having it named after; but they decided not to, because it wouldn't be fair to only pick one name.
Selectman Blessington moved to name the drive "Senior Way"
First Selectman Mailhos amended the motion to municipally owned private driveway
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Christine Psathas (Democrat Registrar of Voters) offered to have the Registrars go down to the complex to help the residents fill out the address change paperwork.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she heard the Farm Forest & Natural Resources Expo, held on Saturday was a huge success. Selectman Blessington stated that it was well attended. His farm workers had a booth at the event and one of his chickens was in attendance. Robert Shabot added that there was entertainment upstairs for the children such as a singer, coloring and crafts. The event was sponsored by the Conservation Commission who would like to remind everyone of the importance of open space.
First Selectman Mailhos announced that we have filled the Youth, Family & Social Services position. The new Director will start next week. The Selectmen welcomed Jennie Arpin to the Town.
We have received results from the CCM discount prescription drug program. Residents have submitted over 476 claims and saved over $32,000 since the program began. If anyone is in need of a card, please contact the Selectmen’s Office.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that our snow budget is currently over by $10,000, which is not as bad as we had anticipated. Fortunately, we have surplus in our chip sealing budget and we will not need to ask BOF to transfer any funding.
Robert Shabot stated that the Historical Society has found some photos that were left at the swap shed in the Transfer Station. They have posted the pictures on Facebook, in hopes of finding out who the people in the photos are. He suggested the photos are from the late 1800’s –early 1900’s. He added that if anyone has historical items that they would like to discard, please consider donating to the Historical Society. Mr. Shabot added that the late Isabel Weigold started a library for the Historical Society. The Historical Society has begun to scan document and file the old photos from residents dating back to the 1800’s.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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